Andy Katzenmoyer

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Andy Katzenmoyer (born December 2, 1977 in Westerville, Ohio) is a former professional American football player and the only Butkus Award-winning middle linebacker to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes. His signature bone-crunching hits became symbolic of the stingy Ohio State teams he played on earning him the nickname "The Big Kat". As an homage to his hero, Katzenmoyer wore Archie Griffin's number 45 at Ohio State. His play, however, was not the only reason he made national headlines in college. [1]

Preceded by Matt Russell	Butkus Award Winner 1997	Succeeded by Chris Claiborne

Katzenmoyer was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He suffered a neck injury during his first season with the Patriots that eventually forced him to have surgery and miss half of the 2000 season. During training camp in 2001, Katzenmoyer walked out without permission, citing concern about a feeling in his neck. He was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. The Patriots cut Katzenmoyer before the beginning of the 2002 season, and he has not returned to professional football.[2]

Katzenmoyer is currently finishing his bachelor's degree at Ohio State University and serving as assistant football coach and defensive coordinator at Westerville South High School.